Singita Ebony Lodge
Highlights
- Sabi Sand Reserve is renowned for superb wildlife viewing
- See Africa's Big Five, often on a single game drive
- Excellent guides, well-managed game viewing, no crowds
- Outstanding service, comfort, and cuisine
Location
- Sabi Sand Game Reserve
- Bordering Kruger National Park
- Mpumalanga Province - South Africa
Singita Ebony Lodge is located in South Africa's wildlife-rich Sabi Sand Game Reserve that adjoins Kruger National Park.
The lodge is situated among tall trees overlooking the Sand River in one of the best wildlife viewing sections of the reserve. There are only a few properties in this 70-square-mile (182-sq-km) private sector of the reserve (all operated by Singita), so guests here will enjoy a very exclusive safari experience without the crowds of tourists that can be experienced in national parks. Oftentimes a wildlife sighting will have only one vehicle in attendance.

The dining room at Singita Ebony lounge.
Wildlife in this prime location includes all the the Big Five species (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino), as well as a large variety of other iconic species like giraffe, zebra, impala, kudu, nyala, hippo, crocodile, and many more. Activities include day and evening night drives and guided safari walks.
Ebony Lodge offers 12 luxurious guests suites, two of which are two-bedroom family suites that accommodate 2 adults and 2 children. All of the suites are air-conditioned and include a private plunge pool. The glass-fronted suites are spacious and comfortable, with the wide windows and offering views over the river and bush.

Guest suite interior at Singita Ebony Lodge.
The lodge's main guest area comprises a lounge, dining area, and bar. A large outdoor deck provides views to the Sand River and a space for outdoor dining. There is also a swimming pool a short stroll away. There is a traditional boma for al fresco dinner nights. For those who want extra pampering, the Wellness Centre offers massages and beauty treatments and a fitness centre is available as well. Shopping is offered at the Singita Boutique and Gallery and the Premier Wine Boutique.
The lodge itself provides the utmost in contemporary luxury, but with a feeling of the safaris of yesteryear. Guest suites are a combination of canvas walls, thatched roofing, and wide glass windows that invite in the light with views over the river. Like all of Singita's safari camps and lodges throughout Africa, the service and attention to detail at Ebony Lodge are at the highest level.

Main area lounge at Singita Ebony Lodge.
About the Sabi Sand Game Reserve
The Sabi Sand Reserve directly borders the Kruger National Park and is without question one of Africa's best safari destinations. There is no better safari area for seeing all of the Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) in their natural habitat and it is not uncommon for visitors to see all five on a single game drive in the reserve.
The Sabi Sand is comprised of a diversity of habitats including open plains, rugged rocky outcrops, woodlands and riverine forests.
Wildlife in the reserve is diverse, and besides the Big Five, includes many other species, such as giraffe, zebra, impala, hippo, crocodile, spotted hyena, African wild dog (or painted wolf), cheetah, wildebeest, greater, kudu, warthog, and more. Both black and white rhino species are seen regularly. Common primates include chacma baboon and vervet monkey. Bird life is prolific and diverse.

Leopard in the Sabi Sand Reserve (Copyright © James Weis).
The reserve is named for the two primary rivers that flow there. The Sand River enters the roughly square-shaped reserve in the northwest, flowing east and then south through the heart of the reserve, where it joins the Sabie River, which forms a portion of the reserve's southern border.
Some of Africa's most established safari operators have had safari camps in the reserve going back to the late 1940s and the long history of safaris over many decades had habituated the wildlife to the safari vehicles, which means they carry out their lives paying little attention to the vehicles.
The Sabi Sand is most renowned for being the best place in Africa to see leopards, which in most safari areas are known to be elusive and sometimes difficult to see. This is not true in the Sabi Sand, which has miles of forested areas that are prime habitat for these beautiful big cats.

Elephant with her very young calf in the Sabi Sand Reserve (Copyright © James Weis).
There are a multitude of safari camps in the Sabi Sand, each of which manages their own parcel of land, and all of them offer an excellent safari experience for their guests. Some of the best properties are those located along the Sand River.
The Sabi Sand Reserve is contiguous with Kruger National Park and the animals move freely between the two protected areas (the fence that once separated them was removed in 1993) as one large and spectacular ecosystem.
Although Kruger and the Sabi Sand are a single uninterrupted ecosystem, the experience of staying at a camp in the national park is vastly different from that of staying in the private Sabi Sand Reserve. Kruger has strict regulations and far more visitors, with off-road driving prohibited, while camps in the Sabi Sand permit off-road driving to follow big cats or for a closer look at other unique sightings.
ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES
Accommodation
12 guest accommodations in total comprising:
- 6 one-bedroom Standard Suites ideal for singles and couples traveling together.
- 2 one-bedroom Bush Suites with an interleading connection on request. The suites have a joined entrance but are completely private from each other and are perfect for families needing a little more privacy.
- 2 one-bedroom Lewis Suites ideal for families with teenage children. The suites are right next to each other and within close proximity to the main lodge area.
- 2 two-bedroom Family Suites ideal for families with small children. The family suites include an en-suite master bedroom and an en-suite twin bedroom, as well as a dining and lounge veranda area with a stone fireplace, and a private viewing deck with heated plunge pool.
- The Ebony Villa: combines both Family Suites with access to an additional private lounge, swimming pool and deck area, which connects these two individual suites. Ebony Villa includes a private guide and vehicle, chef, host, and banakeli (personal waiter). There is a private entrance and boma, so small groups searching for complete seclusion will be at ease. The Ebony Villa is suited to up to four adults and four children under 12 years, or up to six adults and teenagers.
Each suite includes en-suite bathrooms with an indoor bathtub, indoor shower, outdoor shower, double-basin vanity, and separate toilet.
All of the suites are air-conditioned and the entire front wall of each suite between the bedroom and the veranda is made of glass allowing light to flood in. Outdoor pavilion decks are ideal for dining and relaxing and are suspended above the river banks as if hanging from the trees.
The guest suites are connected to the main camp area by footpaths on the ground.

Guest suite bedroom at Singita Ebony Lodge.
Each of the 12 suites has its own private plunge pool and the interiors are furnished tastefully with vintage campaign furniture from the Bailes family collection, including antiques and artwork.
The internal and external walls of the suites have been replaced by glass and canvas to maximize views and create a connection to the natural world outside. The outdoor pavilion decks overlook the Sand River and are perfect for relaxing or private dining.
Other items and features in the guest suites include:
- Air-conditioning.
- Minibar and fridge.
- Tea and coffee station.
- Safe.
- Hairdryer.
- Mosquito netting over the bed.
- Bathroom amenities.
- Direct-dial telephone.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
- Outdoor deck.
Ebony Lodge can accommodate a maximum of 28 guests in total: 2 persons in each of the 10 one-bedroom suites and 4 persons in each of the two family suites.
Includes & Excludes
Includes:
- All meals and beverages (including premium wines, spirits and liqueurs, but excluding French Champagne).
- Twice daily safari drives in open Land Rovers.
- Walking safaris.
- Return road transfers between the Singita airstrip and the lodge.
- Laundry service.
- WiFi access where applicable.
Excludes:
- Tourism levy.
- Carbon Offset levy.
- Telephone calls.
- Purchases from the Singita Boutique & Gallery.
- French Champagne.
- Massage treatments.
- Transport to and from the reserve.
- Any applicable wildlife fee, park fee, reserve fee, concession fee, other land-use fee.
Single Supplement
- A single supplement will apply if 3 or more single rooms are booked in a reservation. A supplement of 25% of the adult rate will be added from the 3rd single room onwards.
Children
Children of all ages are welcome at Singita Ebony Lodge.
- Infants under the age of 2 years will be accommodated free of charge.
- Children aged 10-16 years will be accommodated at 50% of the adult rate when sharing a Standard Suite or Lewis Suite with one adult or another child.
- A single child accommodated in their own suite will be charged the full adult rate.
- Families of four or more members, including at least one child under 10 years, are required to book a Family Suite and are guaranteed the complimentary use of a private vehicle.
- Families of up to three members, including at least one child under 10 years, are required to book a Family Suite and pay for the use of a private safari vehicle.
- If no family accommodation is available, an additional guest (10–16 years) can be accommodated in a triple on request. An additional room needs to be booked and a minimum charge of 3 adults will apply.
- In the interest of safety, the participation of children in game activities is at the discretion of your guide.
Children's Activities
- Mini Rangers Course is a customized, fun-filled program that opens up a whole new world to young explorers. It includes learning how to track animals; astronomy; bush survival techniques; game-, tree- and bird-spotting competitions as well as nature quizzes.
- Cooking interactions.
- Board games.
- Stargazing.
- Bush walks (minimum age 16).
- Activity booklets with a variety of games, quizzes and games.
- Arts & crafts.
- Movies.
- Swimming.
Facilities
Standing steadfast among giant trees alongside the Sand River, Singita Ebony Lodge provides a fresh & contemporary safari experience. Surrounded by the vivid colours, captivating sounds and soothing rhythms of the bush, it awakens a spirit of discovery while restoring the senses.
Main guest area facilities include:
- Large deck with views to the river.
- Swimming pool.
- Wellness and fitness centre facilities.
- Traditional boma for outdoor dinner nights.
- The Singita Boutique & Gallery and Premier Wine Boutique.
- Library with a television.
- Interactive kitchen.
- Mobile phone signal (not always reliable)
- There is complimentary internet (WiFi) access, however due to the remote location of the lodge, the wireless connection can be slow and intermittent.
- Electricity/power available: 220V. Converters are also available and hair dryers are supplied in each suite.
Activities
Safari activities to see the wildlife are offered twice daily at Ebony Lodge, once in the early morning (with something to eat and drink beforehand) and again in the afternoon after snacks. Professional guides conduct both game drives and safari walks, each offering a distinct experience.
Middays are typically spent at the lodge, either in the main area or at your private suite.
Family safaris are a wonderful way to connect with each other and an unforgettable learning experience for children of all ages. Families with children are welcome at Singita Ebony Lodge and the staff will design a special program of activities and adventures tailored to suit each family's interests that will result in lasting memories.
Spa treatments are offered for those who want to have some pampering during their stay and there is a fitness centre for those who like to exercise between safaris. Star-gazing is offered on clear nights and the wine tasting experience is another pleasant diversion on offer.
Activities included in the rate:
- Twice-daily game drives (staying out past sunset is allowable) in open 4x4 Land Cruisers.
- Guided nature walks.
- Star gazing.
- Birding.
Optional activities at additional cost:
- Private activities are on offer (subject to vehicle availability which needs to be booked in advance).
- Spa treatments.
Example of a typical day:
- Early morning wake-up call. Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer, and wildlife sightings.
- Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity.
- Return to the lodge for a meal and rest period.
- Meet for afternoon tea and snacks (savory and sweet choices) before departing on the activity.
- Return to camp - freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner.
- Enjoy a nightcap and/or discussion at the bar or around the campfire before retiring.
Great Good Fair Poor
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WHEN TO GO
The Sabi Sand Reserve offers very good to excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year, but summer (December through mid-March) rains may interfere when they set in, particularly during especially wet years.
The animals in the Sabi Sands and the other private reserves around Kruger National Park do not migrate, although some may range widely between Kruger and the private reserves. During the middle and later stages of the rainy season, the grass becomes tall and the bush becomes lush and thick, which makes for lovely colors, but makes spotting wildlife more difficult.
The winter (June through August) is dry and cool and wildlife may be easier to find as rain water is evaporating and the rivers and deeper waterholes become more frequently visited by the animals.
Singita Ebony Lodge is open year-round.
SUMMER & RAINS
Late spring and summer (from December into Mid-March) is the rainy season in this region and some rains can be heavy, so avoiding the months of January and February is a good idea if you want to avoid rainy days. Wildlife viewing can still still good during the rainy months and the landscape and dramatic skies make for exceptionally good photography.
Palaearctic migrant birds arrive to breed beginning in September some herbivores (particularly impalas) time their birthing cycles to coincide with the rains so that the mothers have plenty of rich grasses and foliage to eat when they need to produce milk. Tourists may shy away from this season, so safari camp prices and availability is better.
The majority of rain comes between November and March, and January and February are the wettest months. Temperatures are hot and humid during the rains, with daytime temps averaging 90°F/30°C, but reaching as high as 104°F/40°C on some days.
Winter / Dry Season
The winter months (June through August) are dry and the temperatures are comfortable during the midday, but chilly to cold overnight and in the early mornings. Game viewing gets better and better as the season progresses and the last of the rain-filled waterholes become drier and drier.
Once the temporary rain-filled waterholes dry up, the animals remain close to the permanent water in the rivers and scattered permanent water holes, making them easier to find. Warm clothing is advised for the chilly morning game drives in the open vehicles.
April and May are the transitional months between the end of summer and the start of winter. Morning temps are around 54°F/12°C and afternoons average 79°F/26°C.
September is a lovely month in terms of both wildlife viewing and temperatures. A few brief rains may fall, but the days are typically beautiful, with afternoon temps averaging 82°F/28°C and mornings a comfortable 57°F/14°C. This is one of the busiest months for tourists and most lodges are booked out far in advance.
October is very dry, with much of the lush bush now in desperate need of the coming rains. Days can be blisteringly hot, but the game viewing is excellent.